Bentley plans overseas expansion

A £5 million grant for research and development has led luxury car company Bentley to plan for further expansion into overseas markets.

The Crewe-based manufacturer received just under £5 million from the Government's Regional Growth Fund last year. The money went towards securing 200 engineering jobs at its Crewe plant and the recruitment of 250 new workers.

Bentley anticipates the additional funding will support its business in two important ways.

Firstly, the grant money can be spent on training and recruitment, ensuring the firm has a skilled workforce for years to come. Secondly, the research and development grant could lead towards new engine technology and possible expansion into untapped markets.

Wolfgang Durheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley, said: "Bentley has had a fantastic start to 2012 and our sales show that there is huge global demand for high-quality luxury automotive products manufactured in Crewe."

Further research and development should enable Bentley to finish work on key engine development projects, he added.